New Line Cinema is eagerly anticipating the expansion of the Conjuring universe, along with the revival of the iconic Nightmare on Elm Street franchise that has thrilled horror enthusiasts for decades.
The highly anticipated film in the Conjuring franchise, titled The Conjuring: Last Rites, is scheduled for theatrical release on September 5, 2025. Recent updates indicate that this installment may mark the conclusion of the franchise as we know it. Renowned producer James Wan shared a heartfelt message on social media, showcasing the chairs for franchise stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, and reflecting on the significance of this moment. He remarked, “Always good to see and hang out with old friends. Gonna miss everyone. End of an era.” However, Richard Brener, the Chief Creative Officer at New Line Cinema, clarified that while this may conclude “phase one” of the Conjuring Universe, it opens the door to a promising “phase two” filled with new possibilities.
Details regarding the plot of The Conjuring: Last Rites remain under wraps, but it is confirmed that the narrative unfolds within the context of the 1980s in the United States. Michael Chaves, who has previously directed successful entries like The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and The Nun II, is at the helm of this project, crafting the story from a screenplay penned by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who has contributed significantly to the franchise with works such as The Conjuring 2 and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.
The production team for The Conjuring: Last Rites includes franchise stalwarts James Wan and Peter Safran as producers, with Michael Clear and Judson Scott stepping in as executive producers, alongside Hans Ritter. Their collective expertise promises to deliver a compelling continuation of the Conjuring franchise, catering to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Joining the returning stars, Wilson and Farmiga, in the cast are Ben Hardy from Love at First Sight and Mia Tomlinson from The Lost Pirate Kingdom. While specific details about their characters remain undisclosed, their involvement adds an exciting layer to the film’s anticipation and speculation.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Brener expressed optimism about the film’s prospects, stating that The Conjuring: Last Rites is “testing through the roof and we’re only at the director’s cut, the 10-week part of the movie where you’re normally very, very scared about the status of your film. We’re very early in the process, have very preliminary visual effects, but it’s already through the roof. So while this is the last of what we call phase one, we are hopeful that we can make more.” When discussing the future of the franchise and possible upcoming phases, he indicated, “Phase two is TBD.”
On the other hand, the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise has been largely inactive since the lackluster reception of the 2010 remake. After the Elm Street rights reverted to the estate of the legendary director Wes Craven in 2019, it was reported that the estate was open to new ideas and pitches. However, complexities surrounding the rights have hindered progress. Notable filmmaker Mike Flanagan has expressed interest in creating a new installment, although he is struggling to identify the appropriate channels for pitching his concept. Moreover, Elijah Wood alongside his SpectreVision partner Daniel Noah has also been vocal about their desire to produce a new Elm Street film, but their efforts have yet to yield results. Even Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse Productions, has shown interest in reviving the Elm Street brand, but as of now, there are no concrete plans for a new Nightmare on Elm Street movie, leaving the franchise in a state of uncertainty.
When asked about the potential for a new A Nightmare on Elm Street film, Brener acknowledged the complexities by stating, “We hope so. It’s complicated because of the rights.” This reveals the challenges that lie ahead for any future installments in this beloved horror series.
Are you excited to learn that the Conjuring franchise will continue its journey, and that New Line Cinema is still exploring new avenues for A Nightmare on Elm Street? We invite you to share your thoughts and predictions on these iconic horror franchises by leaving a comment below.
